Bicolor Angel (Centropyge Bicolor)

Also Known As: Two-Colored Angelfish, Oriole Angelfish

Compatibility and Behavior
The Bicolor Angelfish (Centropyge bicolor) is a classic dwarf angel with one of the most recognizable color patterns in the hobby. The body is cleanly split into two halves. A rich deep blue to purple covers the back end and tail, while a bright golden-yellow takes over the head and forebody, with a dark blue to black eye band running across the face like a mask. The compact oval body and smoothly arched dorsal and anal fins give it a graceful, gliding swim that makes it a genuine centerpiece in medium to large reefs. Personality-wise, this is a semi-aggressive species that can get territorial toward other dwarf angels or similarly shaped fish, so most hobbyists keep it singly or work it carefully into a thoughtfully planned community. In a reef, it's generally reef safe with caution. Some individuals will nip at fleshy LPS, soft corals, zoanthids, or clam mantles, and a hungry or cramped fish is more likely to develop that habit. It tends to do well alongside wrasses, tangs, and larger clownfish, though very timid nano fish may find it a bit much.

Aquarium Requirements
Plan on a mature tank of at least 55 gallons with extensive live rock that pulls double duty as grazing surface and hiding territory. Aquascaping with arches, ledges, and tunnels lets the fish stake out a home base and retreat when needed, while still leaving open water for active swimming. A tight-fitting lid or screen top is strongly recommended. Dwarf angels can jump when startled or chased, and that's the kind of loss that's easy to prevent. Stable filtration, moderate to brisk flow, and established biofilm and microalgae on the rockwork give the fish something to pick at throughout the day. Pair that environment with small, frequent feedings of a varied omnivore diet (mysis, brine, quality pellets, and angelfish preparations with sponge and algae) and many specimens will focus their attention on film algae and prepared foods rather than corals.

Specifications
Approximate Size: Sm: 1.5-2", Md: 2-3", Lg: 3-4"
Diet: Omnivore (marine pellets, flakes, frozen mysis, brine, sponge and algae-based angelfish preparations)
Origin: Indo-Pacific (Coral Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, and surrounding regions)
Care Level: Moderate (best for intermediate to advanced aquarists)
Reef Safe: With caution (may nip LPS, soft corals, zoanthids, and clams)
Temperament: Semi-aggressive; territorial toward similar-shaped fish and other dwarf angels
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Special Considerations: Best kept as the only dwarf angelfish unless housed in a large, carefully planned system; tight-fitting lid recommended